A large scale study of the characteristics of impaired drivers in treatment in Texas

Abstract

Objectives: This is a study of individuals entering treatment who had been arrested for DUI in the past year or who entered treatment while on probation for DUI to determine their levels of impairment and the factors that predict treatment completion and abstinence at follow-up.

Results: Being older, homeless, having more problems with peer or social relationships, using daily, and having more public intoxication arrests predicted entering treatment with more than one DUI arrest in the past year. Individuals with multiple arrests in the past year were more impaired and the least likely to complete treatment or be abstinent in their last month of treatment. The strongest predictor of completing treatment was having been treated in a residential environment (OR 3.35, CI 2.44 – 4.60, p<.0001) and the strongest predictor of past-month abstinence at follow-up was completing treatment (OR 2.18. CI 1.83 – 2.59. p<.0001) and the strongest risk factor was living in a situation where the individual was exposed to alcohol abuse or drug use (OR 0.13, CI 0.10 – 0.17, p<.0001).

Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the extent of abuse and dependence among DUI arrestees and their need for treatment not only for their substance abuse problems, but also for other problems, including co-occurring mental health problems. Closer supervision by probation during follow-up could reinforce abstinence and prevent recidivism.

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